Spaghetti Western

The Spaghetti Western String Co. (SWSCo.), an acoustic trio from Minneapolis, featuring Michael Rossetto (banjo/guitar), Nicholas Lemme (mandolin/guitar/voice), and Ethan Sutton (cello), has it’s roots in the winter of 2003. It was during this time that Michael enlisted the help of Denise, Nicholas, and a host of others, to record 'Do Right By People.' Under the name 'Spaghetti Western,' a nod to Rossetto's Italian heritage, the 'Do Right By People' recording was named one of the top ten albums of 2004 by the City Pages and one of the top 20 albums of 2004 by the Minneapolis Star Tribune. 'Do Right's' mix of haunting melodies manifest themselves through acoustic instrumentation, antiquated drum machines, strings and organs creating a cinematic feel. In the winter of 2004, Michael, Nicholas and Denise were joined by the cellist, Ethan Sutton and changed their moniker to 'Spaghetti Western String Co.,' a more fitting name for what at live performances had become an avant-classical string band.

Since the forming of this new quartet, SWSCo. has written two film scores, one for the 1934 bio­pic, 'Grass,' and another for the 1956 French film, 'The Red Balloon.' They have performed these scores with the films at the Bell Museum in Minneapolis on New Year's Eve 2005, the 2005 Greenman Festival in Duluth and the 2005 International Film Festival in Mpls/St. Paul.

In the spring of 2005, the group recorded 'Quiet Mob Ep,' a collection of original material that mixes Classical, Jazz, European folksong and new acoustic music. 'Quiet Mob' captures the playful interplay of the group and their strength as composers. The Ep was self-released in October 2005.

In September of 2005, Spaghetti Western String Co. was nominated for the second year in a row for a Minnesota Music Award. In 2005, they won the award for 'Eclectic Artist of the Year.'

Spaghetti Western String Co. has played extensively in Minneapolis/St. Paul as well as Duluth and greater Minnesota. In July of 2005, the quartet spent 2 weeks touring the midwest with plans to tour, write film scores, record a new record and work with Minnesota schools to further the education of music.